Massive crowd for hospital ship not indictment of health sector – Dr. Darroux

Patients await screening at the Dominica Grammar School
Patients await screening at the Dominica Grammar School

Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux is dismissing claims that the massive turnout of Dominican nationals seeking medical attention on the US hospital ship, Comfort, is not a negative indicator of the health sector on the island.

As a matter of fact Darroux is arguing it shows that Dominicans are more health savvy and health conscious.

Thousands of Dominicans flocked to two sites to be screened for medical attention on the ship during its nine-day mission and by Wednesday August 5 it was revealed that some 8,488 had been seen.

Darroux was questioned whether this is a sign that all is not well with the health sector on the island but he said this is not the case.

Darroux said Dominicans are more health conscious
Darroux said Dominicans are more health conscious

“So my dear journalist friends, the crowds were in no way a negative indicator of the health sector,” he said during a closing ceremony for the ship’s visit on Tuesday. “In fact the indictment would have been if very little people showed up for the services, because it would mean a lack of preparation and public relations on our part and if anything at all it would have also indicated to us that our people have become more health savvy, more health conscious, seeking second and possibly third and fourth medical opinions.”

He continued, “I say a resounding no to the question posed by the journalist because as a small island developing nation limited in both financial and human resources, we have never claim to have all the answers and solutions as it pertains to the demands and the request of our people.”

Dr. Darroux pointed out that Dominica boast of a primary healthcare system that has been the talk of the international medical community.

“And although over the years we have seen a shift in focus and admittedly the enthusiasm and dedication, our primary healthcare system still remains a force to be reckoned with as it provides services free of charge…” he said.

The ship closes operation in Dominica today (Wednesday).

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85 Comments

  1. hisan
    August 8, 2015

    It is a amazing how people are so solid in their opinions that if one isn’t wise it can easily be taken for a fact. Having read a good many of the comments it is obvious that we need to be quiet, read a little, ask a few questions and most importantly listen to the answers. One cannot analyse Dominica´s health care system based on just the number of patients seen in the US navy ship COMFORT mission. A proper analysis has to be done with the data collected by both parties before rating our health system. Do you know that Dominica is one of the countries where they have seen the least people; that most of the patients were given paracetamol, ibuprofen, vitamins, worm medication and antacids; that most patients were continued on the same treatment as prescribed by their primary care physicians; that most patients were sent back to their doctors, that the education was the same. Oh don’t get me wrong. With the hugh human and material resources that they have helped a lot.

  2. Francisco Telemaque
    August 7, 2015

    “Your overall attitude on this Website will get you nowhere. You need a change of attitude to those who comment on this Website. You are giving well-meaning D/cans a bad name.
    I do not follow crowds as you. If I owned this Website, your type of comments would be prohibited.” :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:(Facts).

    If anybody deserve to be isolated from DNO is you, and only you because of your ectopic way of communication, it is not I who give Dominicans a bad name. It is people like you who supports Skerrit and the backward state in which he Keeps Dominica.

    I prefer to support nothing than to support an incompetent, and corrupt regime such as existing in Dominica. You see those little devil head you wish would eat me. They are biting and titling you and Skerrit Butt, right now.

    That’s what you get for insulting, considering I’ve been kind to you by not insulting you for a long time…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      August 7, 2015

      And because you are trying to insult me, I will turn up the heat on by telling you that the government and people you support are all thieves, vagabonds and scamps calling themselves honorable, that fact is they are a bunch of aunty-man Ask Tony Astaphan the meaning of the word aunty-man, we both learn therm from the same place oui!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahah!

      Facts, don’t trouble; trouble, when trouble, don’t trouble you!

  3. fun
    August 6, 2015

    please dont blame the failing health care on health workers
    when dominicans were sewoing on the 8th of dec last year did you all consider the sick of the nation
    doctors and nurses are doing their best with whatever little resources are provided
    a king is never welcomed in his own home, when doctors and nurses migrate the masses start to bawl
    but is later tighter. i personally as a health worker will not stay here and be disrepected by anyone, there are countries which will appreciate my worth and work value
    im happy the americans came, there was nothing to be learnt, all my learning was already taken care of by persons like dr paul etc,
    dominicas if you think you health care is below par blame yourselves and those whom you have elected to manage your health systems
    and by the way when dominica will learn to take health insurance they will get better care
    working people buying all types of luxurious vehichles and building houses they cant afford and priorities are left uncared

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      August 6, 2015

      Maybe they shoulld employed first, so that they can purchase health insurance.

  4. Music Producer
    August 6, 2015

    “Dr. Darroux pointed out that Dominica boast of a primary healthcare system that has been the talk of the international medical community.” :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: …and tell me again the reason the president of Dominica had to travel overseas for medical treatment many moons ago? 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O

    • Me
      August 7, 2015

      Yes Dr. Darroux, that was before your time though.

    • hisan
      August 8, 2015

      Inadequate secondary health care not primary. There is a difference. Note it. Google it. There is also Tertiary , please google it.

  5. OneDestiny
    August 6, 2015

    Cut him some slack’ why don’t you all. For years before he went into the ministry none of you complained. How do you all expect him to turn things around overnight. He’s only been at it 7 months. I am sure he didn’t pay for his title, so he will fix our health care system. Yes, it is severely lacking, and I am hoping that our health care personnel who worked alongside our visitors gained knowledge, insight and adopt best practices. I should think the best person is leading the health ministry so temper patience with patience.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      August 6, 2015

      We can temper patience with patience; however I refuse to temper patience with arrogance and stupidity. I visited PMHS with a sick child three years ago and the service was nothing to write home about. The attitudinal response at the Emergency Room was atrocious. Legitimate emergencies are treated as an afterthought.
      Furthermore, telling the public that the many thousands of people who visited the US Comfort for medical care is not an indictment of our health care system is delusional. We are not impressed with credentials. We as a nation must be impressed with results only. Who cares that Kenneth is a trained doctor? How does that impact the crap that is PMHS? Our citizens deserve better and we should not rest until they receive stellar health care at home.

    • Titiwi
      August 6, 2015

      Why give him some slack?. It is people’s health we are talking about, which could be a matter of life or death and there is no room for slack in that. Nobody forced him to accept this position, he accepted this post voluntarily and should have hit the ground running. If you can not do that, you should politely decline.

  6. skerit
    August 6, 2015

    the most despicable thing about our health care is the nurses and doctors both private and public. thier attitudes stink. they make you want to stay home and die from whatevers ailing you. no mercy, no comfort, no professionalism, no hospitality skills. i am scared to get ssick and go to a nurse or doctor here.
    i want to say a big shout out to nurse joseph a carib nurse who took care of me about 9 years ago in the hospital. i think she is retired now. i never met another one like her. and i have never forgotten her.
    shame on you health professionals. your stinking attitude will not take you far

  7. grell
    August 6, 2015

    These cronies a really full of it,Last year i visited this hospital and i got sick to my stomach for days,the place smells of urine and feces,water leaks all over and ceilings were collapsing alll over,Darrroux stop fooling the poor people,You and Skerrit and the rest of your cronies have to answer to the almighty and very soon.

  8. Anthony P. Ismael
    August 6, 2015

    We should drop the word “Hospital” from the phrase; Princes Margaret and replace it with your choice from the following list: Outdated, inadequate, failing to meet the needs of our citizens, dilapidated, out of touch, disaster and crying-shame and wholly unacceptable in any century. Dominicans deserve better.

  9. Anthony P. Ismael
    August 6, 2015

    We should be kind to Dr. Darroux regarding his analysis of Dominica’s Health Care System. This man has been on so many trips, that he’s probably confusing Dominica with Malaysia or some other more developed nation. In his delusionary mind, Dr. Ettienne’s analysis about our health care system was a lie too.
    This administration tells so many lies that they believe those acting in good faith are just as corrupt as they are. It’s like a thief watching over his back, because another well-known thief is present. More than 8,000 Dominicans sought medical help from the US Comfort and Dr. Darroux swears that these large numbers are not an indictment on our health care system. Boy oh Boy!!

  10. Massacre
    August 6, 2015

    I wonder how many of those people voted for the DLP a few months ago? Maybe it is 90% of them? And if this is the case can you all tell me what is it that pursude you all to vote the DLP?
    We are supposed to vote for conditions to get better! We cannot continue to do the same things over and over again and expect chnages.
    The mass gathering of sick people going on that boat for health care is a clear demonstration that Dominica is unhealthy and is in need of some serious “mind altering medicine.”

  11. eyes open
    August 6, 2015

    Dr. Darroux you look like you’ve lost a little weight yourself…looking good. :wink:

  12. Wadi
    August 6, 2015

    Princess Margaret hospital is a very terrifying place to go to!! A great number of patients who are admitted do not come out alive. I would do everything in my power not to have to go there even if I was very ill! If I recall there was a infestation of bed bugs at the hospital and I believe Mr Daroux thought this was acceptable! Please get a competent person to be health Minister! Please get a good manager at the hospital and probably please retrain many of the nurses so that they take good care of their patients and please pay the nurses properly to give them incentive to do their job properly!! What a shambles!!

  13. Lang Mama
    August 6, 2015

    90% of the people cant afford a first opinion jee jay vwen second third and fourth opinion. What is wrong with these guys. How do they lie so freely

  14. Tjebe fort
    August 6, 2015

    Well, Dr. Darroux got a duty free Pajero and a free trip to Malaysia, so what can he say again? That mr. Skerrit is wrong? Chupes man.

  15. Concerned Dominican
    August 6, 2015

    I am trying to understand this article but it doesn’t make any sense…first, if we have a so called Healthcare system that is the talk of the international community and is free then why did we need the ship to come to D/CA? Where is or MRI/fully equipped radiology dept.? Second, people are suffering b/c they can’t get proper diagnoses of their medical issues and not everyone can afford to go overseas for treatment. So you don’t expect them to flock to the ship that is fully equip with professionals at their first opportunity to get a proper diagnoses for once in their life? Your response should have simply been: I am glad many people had the opportunity to get a thorough physical exam in so short a time frame and hope it helps going forward. Dr. Darroux don’t you think it’s time to repair and up grade our hospital/medical facilities? To bring it into the 21 st century? Where are all those connections the government has? It’s truly a shame to see the state of our hospital….

  16. Anonymous
    August 6, 2015

    the minister claims that Dominica health care system is free and the talk of the world, so why would Dominicans rush in such volume to wait in those long lines for hours when we already have a free system providing the same service?

  17. COCKY
    August 6, 2015

    Mr Darroux, its not an indictment, but here is what it reflects:
    That a very large percentage of the population CANNOT afford the inferior health services provided at our dilapidated health facilities.
    That the basic health services that SHOULD be available in our country is NOT available.
    That our people are NOT comfortable with the mediocre health services available in our country.
    That we have A SICK population
    That the government is NOT serious about health care for its citizens. :-|

  18. anonymous2
    August 6, 2015

    Me thinks Dr. Darroux is hallucinating when it come to the ranking of health care in DA.

  19. The Real Facts - ON
    August 5, 2015

    Well, Dominicans heard of the hospital ship and many took advantage of this golden opportunity at no cost to them. Some probably went only for health observation. Whatever, I am certain they found out something more about the condition of their health and how to maintain good health.
    Thank you to the US Medical Hospital Ship Team. You have done excellent humanitarian work. It is greatly appreciated.
    God bless you!

  20. jonathan st jean
    August 5, 2015

    Dr Darroux,there is a saying that it’s better to remain silent, than once you open your mouth you leave no doubt that you are not smart.You seem to think that you are the smartest person in the Caribbean, and you have to school the rest of us.It is plain to see that the large number of people who attended the clinic on mv Comfort, that your health services are inadequate, unreliable, unrealistic, and comes up short. You have not provided any evidence to prove to us that your ministry is meeting the health needs of the populace. Imagine that even the President, went to have his health needs taken care of.Its OK to have nice roads to drive on,but you know fully well that good health care is more important,as such the Skerritt led administration, has let so many vital areas of national development fall by the wayside. Development is about people, and you guys have failed to see people in your development plans as paramount, but you see material things.

  21. general Joan
    August 5, 2015

    I think,the lack of professionalism is underlying factor to this surge of patients aboard the hospital ship.people feel more secure when dealing with professionals who carry out their duties in a professional way.evidently,confidentiality within the system is clearly an issue. :twisted:

  22. Francisco Telemaque
    August 5, 2015

    “Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux is dismissing claims that the massive turnout of Dominican nationals seeking medical attention on the US hospital ship, Comfort, is not a negative indicator of the health sector on the island.”

    Kenneth, be realistic for a moment; and let us agree that the U. S. Navy renders such humanitarian service all over the world; and they have done that for more than a hundred years. However to sit there being a boldface liar makes absolutely no logical sense!

    Suggesting that is not a negative indicate of the health sector on the island, is less than an understatement. Here you have more than eight thousand people treated, within nine days, and you are prepared to tell the world that there are no flaws in our medical system?

    Some of those people treated have not seen a doctor in years! And if our system was so good how come when you and your cabal gets sick you seek treatment out of Dominica.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      August 5, 2015

      Skerrit government claims that there are seventy thousand residence Dominican born on the island. I believe that there are far less than that; if we compare the birth rate to the daily demised, and the amount of people who have immigrated to today, and since the last census, it is almost impossible to find fifty thousand residence on the island.

      Assuming that there are there are seventy-five thousand people on the island, and 8,488 people got treated, I believe we are talking about a little above 11% of the population was treated, unless I am wrong Darroux is once again has his head like an Ostrich buried in the sand believing it is safe from the storm, meanwhile its behind is up in the storm getting battered!

      If we lower the population the ratio becomes high, so I do not know why people like Darroux do not simple remain quiet and save themselves from I oui!

      Hahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

  23. mujahardin
    August 5, 2015

    Dr. Darroux is yet to comment intelligently on the recent report from our very own PAHO Director that our health care system is likened to an exploding volcano, a tsunami in the making. We all know where the minister’s interest lies. He is busy in Malaysia with the bogus company MDTH (My Dominica Trade House), he is DA’s bit coin representative……. Interestingly the majority of the minister’s government activities are unrelated to his health portfolio. Dr. Darroux has proven to be the most incompetent minister of health in DA’s history. The state of the Marigot Hospital is one glaring example that highlights the incompetence of the man. Darroux has absolutely no concern about our health care system…….. God will deliver us.

  24. hashtag
    August 5, 2015

    another waste of a minister.
    how delusional can you be?
    listening to him stammer on marpin news I could only LMAO.
    poor dominica. pun highly intended.
    2020…where are you

  25. Revolution
    August 5, 2015

    I hope when u darroux get ill u will lead by example

  26. timtim
    August 5, 2015

    If this is not an indictment, then I don’t know what is or what will ever be.

  27. oh lawd
    August 5, 2015

    You all hearing lies? Lies flowing like a river!!! 1. Dominica once had a primary healthcare system which was head and shoulders above those of other Caribbean islands…not anymore. Dr. Ettienne did a wonderful job as director. However, since then, due to mismanagement, the system has been shot. Every medical doctor on island will tell you that, so I have no idea which reports the minister is reading…he surely needs to go back to his roots and start managing the health sector with an iron fist.

    2. As for the ship indicating our standard of health care…well you all know the answer to that…won’t even bother commenting. SMH

  28. Barbara Saunders
    August 5, 2015

    You know, I have been listening and watching for some time in my state of self-imposed hibernation, but I was really forced out of it today to say this:

    Do any of us remember the Biblical account of the wise King Solomon’s handling of the two women who were both claiming ownership of a baby? Well what was the position of the one who was pretending to be the mother but was in fact not the biological mother? — Her take! –split the baby in two and give each of us a side of it! What was the position of the one who lovingly bore the child? Let her have the baby. It is better for her to have it and it lives than to split it open in a sure and painful death blow!

    So go ahead folks, split Dominica open and kill it with every word from your mouth and every stroke of your pen on every issue from health to economy then wonder in frustration and anger why there appears to be so many King Solomons assessing and analysing your kind of love and rewarding you accordingly?

    • Francisco Telemaque
      August 5, 2015

      Asks Elizabeth!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah!

    • Titiwi
      August 6, 2015

      Ms. Saunders you are close but have not entirely on target. It is precisely because we do not have a sagacious King Solomon but the the wisdom of King Skerrit instead to keep us divided in order to rule. But remember David who slew the giant? That allegory will come to pass here too and we shall have our Solomon. have no fear.

      • Barbara Saunders
        August 6, 2015

        Titiwi

        My last word as I go back into hibernation. You are the one missing the point because the “health system” is not (only) about Dr. Darroux or Mr. Skerrit. It is about:- the doctors whose hefty fees you have to pay to them privately to undergo surgeries at your own tax-paid hospital; conscientious (or otherwise) health professionals in the system; judicious utilisation of available resources; patient consciousness and responsibility for their own health; adequate health facilities; public confidence in ethical medical practice; equity in access to services; attitudes, attitudes, attitudes and so much more, so your David will be facing a Frankenstein rather than a Goliath if you and your like-minded colleagues on this site and elsewhere continue on your path of verbal and psychological destruction thinking that Dominica is about Mr. Skerrit or Dr. Darroux. Not even a sagacious Solomon will be able to help you and us by the time your allegory comes to pass my friend!

  29. oh well
    August 5, 2015

    One thing Darroux you know your people well , and your party always ready with lies. In your mind and heart you saw what was happening and you told yourself hurry boy Darroux a backlash coming, so you call your panda Skerrit and say, Boss what we going to tell them na , you doh see people that was on the medical ship ? what we going to tell those intelligent people? so you come out early , but hey , you can fool some people some them but you cannot fool all , all the time .So for goodness sake listen to the cries of your people take advice and things can and will change .I am so fed up with those covering up and lies man . Stop getting fat on us and help us .

    • Barbara Saunders
      August 6, 2015

      Just one more word! If I follow the logic here, are we indicting the health systems of all the other Caribbean islands and other parts of the world where the “Comfort” ship docks, and where I assume thousands also flock for attention? It would be interesting to hear how the citizens of those countries have reacted to the ship’s visit and contrast that with comments of our citizens of Dominica! No! let me not generalise but rather limit my observation to those posting on this site and in other media, because I just remembered that they do not speak for everyone in Dominica, fortunately so!

      • Ma
        August 6, 2015

        Dear Ms. Saunders, you are sidestepping the issue. As far as I can tell people on this site are reacting to Dr. Darroux’ comments and they pertain to Dominica. Could you please do the same. It is Dominica we are talking about.

      • Barbara Saunders
        August 6, 2015

        DNO

        This comment was posted after my response to Titiwi yet it is posted and the previous one is still awaiting moderation thus throwing off the sequence. Any particular reason?

      • Barbara Saunders
        August 7, 2015

        Ma

        I think I really need to retire back to my hibernation. No sense engaging in this exercise in futility. I am not sidestepping, just thinking for myself. I agree that our health system needs improvement. No system, health or otherwise anywhere is ever at the peak of perfection, but I am sorry that I cannot oblige you and think and behave as if Dominica is on a rock in the middle of the ocean unaffected by the rest of the world. I also cannot compartmentalise my mind and allow only hatred of the elected government to rule all my thoughts, comments and actions, thus dragging Dominica and all Dominicans to the bottom of the pit of every sphere of development. So Dr. Darroux was talking about Dominica hence I cannot even contextualise my argument which actually pertains to a ship which docked in Dominica but also many other places? Sorry sir/madam I am unable to do your bidding! I claim my right not to allow my free thought and speech to be hijacked! Peace!

  30. August 5, 2015

    Dominica really do need a better health system.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      In time it will get one. There was talk about that. You must consider that today D/ca’s health care system is much better than in bygone years. Therefore, it has progressed to a certain extent. As the years progress and Dominica, it will become better. If not now, the next generation will experience it.

      • Tjebe fort
        August 6, 2015

        Fact s in time you will die that is the only sure thing. How can you passing judgement on our health care when you sitting in far away Canada. You are just a silly old lady.

      • The Real Facts - ON
        August 6, 2015

        Tjebe fort, I suppose you will not die. Who will die before and after whom is God’s decision who holds the key to life and death.
        Are you taking medication? I will tell you this much, thanks be to God, I do not.
        People have common sense. They also visit D/ca. They also have relatives and friends who inform them directly. Thank God these are not negative people as you who debase everything good. You have a psychological problem and are an unhappy and miserable person.
        You are one of those who do not know those who comment personally. Yet you choose to be personal. Look here! I am not your friend; I do not know you; do not want to nor care to know you. My sole concern is to provide my comments.
        Rather than be amicable to your fellow people and accord them their due right, dignity and freedom to comment as you expect from others, you choose to spew hatred and such words to them. You have much to learn. Woe to you! May God rebuke you! It is coming. :twisted:…

  31. Dominican
    August 5, 2015

    “Dr. Darroux pointed out that Dominica boast of a primary healthcare system that has been the talk of the international medical community.”
    – Seriously dem man really serious nah.. Will and come again Doc. Shame on all you with all you expensive suits. W H A T A B I G S H A M E ….!!!!!!

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      Do you ever give this government, the ministers, the benefit of the doubt?
      This does not mean he told a lie.
      He must have heard something about it otherwise he would not have mentioned it.

      • Music Producer
        August 6, 2015

        The Real Facts – ON, go hide yourself some where and stop wasting precious internet resources.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        August 6, 2015

        Facts, what benefit of the doubt can you give to an incompetent deceitful liar?

        You need to understand that this guy, Skerrit and all the rest of the cabal are a bunch of repetitious, liars; they are so repetitive, with their own lie, that they believe the lie, when they hear it over, and over not realizing they are the ones who perpetrated the lie in the first place.

        How can you have any empathy for scoundrels you know greatest ambition is to deceive the people and hold on to power; by so doing enriched themselves, while the majorities of the people suffer in poverty?

      • The Real Facts - ON
        August 6, 2015

        You are the one wasting these resources. You lack pleasantness. Who are you and who do you think you are? I know people as you who consistently criticize the government cannot stand it when others stand up for them. You are not a smart person. You are bias. One day you will pay for this.
        You go and hide yourself and your face and know your place. Your overall attitude on this Website will get you nowhere. You need a change of attitude to those who comment on this Website. You are giving well-meaning D/cans a bad name.
        I do not follow crowds as you. If I owned this Website, your type of comments would be prohibited. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  32. KJ
    August 5, 2015

    Darroux you mad
    If the health inspectors go to this hospital rite now i am a 100% sure that there is something they can find to close that hospital. I came down to dominica and one fay i went there and i see so many things that risky or put people in danger. And there is no welfare system for people wen there family die and they hv to go to identify them. Not even proper place to chill or someone to talk for advice. Lol instead you a greeted by funeral home representatives trying by you lol

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      I understand. The poor cannot afford that type of burial of today. Someone has to pay for it. I am certain that system will be changed in time, to make it affordable for the poor.
      Make a note of all what you think needs changing and are important to implement in D/ca and forward it to the PM or relevant minister. Keep a copy for your files and for referral.
      Much can be done in time but it requires a proper approach and patience. Do not be shy about that.

  33. alas
    August 5, 2015

    de mere fact that this was free means that Dominicans would be out in droves.
    De amount of people who were on backlog to do a scan.
    In a matter of days de ship was able to screen hundreds!!
    Dr Ettienne was just here recently and your ministry of health did not get a good report card!!!!….remember?
    Recently an MOU was signed with a hospital in Guadeloupe.
    It would be interesting to find out how many Dominicans have been facilitated through that programme to date.
    We need a modern state of de art Hospital.
    You and your party are such a failure.
    Boy darroux boy……i know you eh.
    soooooo disappointing!!

    • Me
      August 6, 2015

      Modern Hospital who is going to run it, the people who are presently working at PMH ???. Whats the point thet dont know what they are doing in the first place .. Training is whats needed, basic training .Really feel for the people ,they dont have options .

  34. Doc. Love
    August 5, 2015

    If it is not an indication of Dominica’s miserable health sector, then, it is a case of following the leaders. When Skeritt’s wife was having a baby, which Hospital did she use. When Skeritt, Savarin and Timothy needed health care, where did they go for treatment.

    • Lang Mama
      August 6, 2015

      Check also where the second baby is poping out. The USA again

      • Titiwi
        August 6, 2015

        I like that Lan Mama, baby “poping” out. I’m sure he/she will be baptised in the catholic church. Bishop owes Skerrit a big “thank you”.

  35. KJ
    August 5, 2015

    Lol PMH has no health and safety policy lol i witness pmh workers working with gacanisters with no labelling and pilled up everywher infron a fire exot/door entrance. I took my dad to the dentist and the end i ask him why he hasnt xray his mouth to see wat his eyes cant see lol he told oveseas they do unnessary things lol

    • KJ
      August 5, 2015

      Sorry for the typing errors
      Lol PMH has no health and safety policy lol i witness PMH workers working with gas canisters with no labelling and pilled up infront a fire exit/entrance. I took my dad to the dentist and at the end i ask him why he hasnt xrayed his mouth to see wat his eyes cant see lol he told me oveseas they do unnessary things lol

      • The Real Facts - ON
        August 5, 2015

        Through the years, from what I have read on this Website, there need to be an overall change of certain habits. What was once acceptable in bygone years through lack of training, ignorance and lack of funds are no longer acceptable today. Dominica has progressed to a certain point. Surely they could do better than that.
        Patients and family have a right to question those procedures and complain about them.
        I view this as a serious matter. Should an error occur while administering to the patients which affect them, those concerned could be sued.
        You should address these matters to your minister of health and hope he takes you seriously, listens intently, pays heed and make these relevant changes as soon as possible.

  36. August 5, 2015

    Free medical yes but who is footing this bill the way medical is priced in Dominica u mean to say the government of Dominica and the others care about its people Dominican wake up open u all eyes start asking the big QUESTIONS WHERE DID THAT MONEY COME FROM OR HOW IS IT BEING FUNDED CAUSE NOTHING COMES FREE

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      Re-read the primary article. Hopefully you will comprehend it and know where the money is coming from; who is paying for it – footing the bill.

    • Da
      August 6, 2015

      U all Dominicans to ungrateful.. No matter what the Government do youis never good enough. Other parts of the Caribbean wish they have what Dominica have. Be thankful, and speak good things for Dominica, than all the negativity. Speak blessing and prosperity for our country, for the future of our children and grand kids.ungrateful people.

      • The Real Facts - ON
        August 6, 2015

        They cannot stand positive people. Those who are positive and provide good information, advice and support the government, they hate them and give them thumbs down. As if their thumbs down matter anyway. It projects what type of people they are.
        God is taking note. One day these critics will pay for their words. They will suffer. What goes around comes around in time. We will hear more.

    • Titiwi
      August 6, 2015

      Indeed Tracey. It is because we have nothing, it is free!

  37. sayodityodit
    August 5, 2015

    Dr. Darroux pointed out that Dominica boast of a primary healthcare system that has been the talk of the international medical community.

    “And although over the years we have seen a shift in focus and admittedly the enthusiasm and dedication, our primary healthcare system still remains a force to be reckoned with as it provides services free of charge…” he said.

    Ya right with the very poor quality of service that is given at the hospital services should indeed be free of charge!

  38. Jejep
    August 5, 2015

    Well the time is now right for government to seriously consider the introduction of a National Health Insurance Scheme. One where those who are employed covers the elderly, children, students, indigent and unemployed. One where partnerships are entered into with regional and international health care facilities and air ambulance, so as to be sure that there is no delay in the evacuation of patients who cannot be attended to at the island’s facilities.

  39. Anthony P. Ismael
    August 5, 2015

    Dr. Darroux, the massive turn out by locals to seek medical attention aboard the US Comfort is an indictment, conviction and sentencing of the Dominican Health Care System. You can make such statements when speaking to low-information voters. It’s sad and disappointing that you feel the need to sweep our issue underneath the rug, instead of vibrantly confronting and solving them.

  40. nonsense
    August 5, 2015

    Never been comes to U.S shores ,neither U.S territories. ..hmm?

  41. Vibes
    August 5, 2015

    Doc most people do not have the money and the other half do not trust the system. Mis- diagnosis, bad attitude, so they prefer to stay home sick as the calypsonian sang some time ago.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      Wherever we reside in the world we could make the identical comment.

  42. mwen enkor
    August 5, 2015

    If Dominica had a viable health sector, this would not have been the case. The hospital should be built before the President’s house. This is an indictment on the government to put a sick man in so much luxury, while your sick pepople are in a delapidated place.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 5, 2015

      Dominica had a hospital. It just did not have a state-of-the-art hospital.

  43. Titiwi
    August 5, 2015

    Unless Dr. Darroux thinks that all those Dominicans turning up were sightseers or malingers it shows indeed that our people are “health savvy and health conscious”, as per the Minister’s own words, and realized they needed medical attention. What else can be the explanation? Even the President had a relatively minor operation on his eye performed on board the ship, which did not require an overnight stay I believe, despite his advanced age and poor physical condition. Could that not have been done locally by our own medical experts? Why don’t we admit the truth so that we can start addressing our problems without wasting time on political grandstanding. This is not about red and blue, it is about our people’s health Dr. Darroux.

  44. JUDICIAL REVIEW FOR WHITE COLOR CRIMINALS
    August 5, 2015

    MR MAD, they all know where they running when they sick. from maternity ward to martinique

  45. way papa
    August 5, 2015

    This also speaks of the level of poverty…people are sick and dont have the funds to go seek proper healh care…smh

  46. August 5, 2015

    Which part of the international medical community talks of Dominicans primary health care system smh look at what chikungunya did……everybody got it imagine if it was something lethal. you wouldn’t stand a chance

  47. %
    August 5, 2015

    Darroux with all your garbage talk,deception, and foolishness,i hope that you all are taking note of how Dominicans have been impoverished and reduced to beggars .This DLP is the worst government in the region.

  48. %
    August 5, 2015

    I disagree with you Darroux .I know Hehow your government have impoverished the country and turned the citizens into beggars. It is simply because so many are unemployed and largely indigent and poor that they are flooding this American floating hospitsl.Nothing about health savy.SHAME ON YOU!

  49. too late
    August 5, 2015

    Sir people are excited because there is no poopool,poolbwa or pinez

    aboard.

  50. Zandoli
    August 5, 2015

    That is a bunch of nonsense and the minister knows it. The fact is Dominicans are NOT in the habit of visit a doctor unless they are feeling sick, sometimes very sick. So to say people are more health conscious and that is the reason the numbers were so high is patently untrue and he knows it.

    If the Dominican people are so health conscious, why then are there so many amputations among diabetics?

    Why are the numbers of people needing dialysis rising? Perhaps they have been hypertensive for a long time and not know it and damaging their kidneys in the process?

    Wheel and come again doc. You ought to know better. After all you are a medical doctor.

  51. Anthony P. Ismael
    August 5, 2015

    I know where you’re coming from. You have a family plus your public stature to maintain so part of the job is being a “Spin Doctor.” I’m I to dismiss Dr. Etienne’s report about chronic health issues affecting our population? Why do you feel the need to publish this foolishness?

  52. Me
    August 5, 2015

    Really , i suppose ypu can say what you like but the Public knows .So many excuses just admit that the service on offer are not adequate that is why when members of Parliment are ill they travel to the US or neighbouring islands ( small developing ones ) for treatment.

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